Looking for a unique toy store, Portland parents? These independent shops stock the best gifts, no matter what the occasion

For a truly unique toy for your little one, you’ve gotta ditch online shopping and big-box stores and hit the streets. Portland mom-and-pop shops are where the best gifts are. Find that extra-special holiday gift or that perfect birthday present (because there’s always a birthday party around the corner, right?) at one of our favorite toy stores in Portland. Each one offers quality toys and helpful staff so even if you don’t have a gift in mind, they can help out. 

1. SpielWerk Toys

What's not to love about a toy store that understands that children's work is all about play. (Hint: that's what SpielWerk means.) You'll find tons of toys that encourage kids to play and develop healthy play habits too at their shop in the Williams District. Well-made toys that encourage open-ended play are front and center, and so is the play space where kids can test out toys and have fun while you browse the aisles. Books, games, puzzles, and even ride-ons are staples here. The next time you need one, this is the place to shop.

3808 N. Williams Ave., #121
Portland
Online: spielwerktoys.com

2. Kids At Heart Toys

Parents have counted on Kids At Heart Toys since the late '80s to find the perfect gift for their kiddos. Here you'll find all the brands you know and love, like LEGO, Playmobil, Plan Toys, Klutz, and more. But you'll also find local brands and other boutique labels you may not be familiar with yet, but will want to know more about. 

3445 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland
Online: kidsathearttoys.com

Related: Shop to Save the Planet at Our Favorite Consignment Stores

3. Merci Milo

Merci Milo is another one of those super cute toys stores in Portland that stocks its shelves with handmade and quality toys and accessories. They source everywhere—showcasing everything from local makers and creative parents to global brands. Each toy selected is focused on sustainability and is ethically sourced too so you can trust that what you bring into your home is good for everyone. Parents can find a bit of everything at this toy store, from vintage to trendy and everything in between.

2438 N.E. Broadway St.
Portland
Online: shopmercimilo.com

4. MudPuddles Toys & Books

Looking for a toy store in Portland that's totally in the know? Check out the latest from MudPuddles Toys & Books. Stocking everything from pretend play toys to puzzles, games, and stuffies, having fun is at the heart of their inventory. They even stock gifts for tweens and teens that they'll actually like. Stop into one of their two shops today.

Good to Know: MudPuddles also has a shop in Sherwood (16420 S.W. Langer Dr.).

2305 N.W. Kearney St.
Portland
Online: mudpuddlestoys.com

Related: Portland's Eco Boutiques: Sustainable & Stylish

5. Oodles of Toys

Need "oodles" of inspiration for gifts for your tyke? Take a trip to the Sellwood neighborhood for a shopping experience sure to beat the offerings of your local Target or Fred Meyers. From stuffed animals and plushies to board games and playsets, Oodles of Toys has you covered. They even offer online ordering with curbside pickup. They'll make it convenient for you and give you all the inspiration for the best gifts for your family.

Insider Tip: Oodles' sister store, Queen Bee Soriee, has all the party supplies you need to throw a killer bash.

7727 S.E. 13th Ave.
Portland
Online: oodlesoftoys.com

6. Thinker Toys

Thinker Toys has been a figurehead of Multnomah Village since 1994 and there's one reason for it: their toy selection rocks. They are a destination for children and parents alike, offering adult board games like Catan, and child tinkerings like PlayMobile. Head to Thinker Toys to peruse all their entire selection in person, or head online for their options for shopping, curbside pickup and local delivery. Whichever way you decide to get your Thinker Toy gifts this holiday season, it is sure to a magical and exciting experience.

7784 S.W. Capitol Hwy.
Portland
Online: thinkertoysoregon.com

Related: Support These Black-Owned Portland Businesses Today

7. Hammer + Jacks

Need a creative spin on movement-based toys? What about a cute, locally made "Slow Down" sign for your front yard when the teens in your neighborhood pass by? How about a toy set that is both thoughtful and stimulating? If only there was a Portland toy shop offering all these awesome gift ideas...oh, wait! Have you heard of family-owned Hammer + Jacks? Located in southeast Portland's Foster-Powell neighborhood, this cute boutique toy store will be sure to make you want to buy gifts for your loved ones and yourself. They offer a carefully curated selection of toys that grow with kids, and local delivery for those times where you know what you want, but you just can't make it out the door.

Insider Tip: While we love the toys here, Hammer + Jack's community REC Room wins big points with local parents. Programming here is all about Reading, Entertainment, and Crafts (get it—REC Room?). Drop in for a story time, author reading, musical events, and more.

6406 S.E. Foster Rd.
Portland
Online: hammerandjacks.com

8. The Bull & The Bee

Located in the Moreland neighborhood, The Bull & The Bee specializes in gifts for babies and parents. Whether you're shopping for an adorable outfit for you newborn, or you need a teether that's healthy for baby and the planet, this is the place in Portland to shop. And while they offer all kind of amazing and practical products for babes, parents can also count on finding quality wooden toys, creative toys, books, puzzles and more at this kids' shop. We also love their line of locally made products that support Portland in more ways that one.

7044 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.
Portland
Online: bullandbeebaby.com

9. Grasshopper

Everything you need for babies, toddlers, and kids is under one roof at Grasshopper. Toys, books, puzzles, clothes—this is a you name it, they've got it kind of place. Trusted brands that line the shelves like Tender Leaf Toys, Noodoll, and Brio make shopping easy. Their selection of musical instruments, books, and stickers are sure to please everyone (hint: they make great stocking stuffers too). We love that they also carry tons of seasonal products so you can find something truly special, no matter what the occasion.

1816 N.E. Alberta St.
Portland
Online: grasshopperstore.com

10. Black Wagon Kids

Although clothing and accessories are the main showstoppers here, Black Wagon Kids also has toys to please your little ones when you're looking for something special. Another cute toy store in Portland, this is the spot to find great puzzles, games, and thoughtfully designed wooden toys that encourage open-ended play for toddlers especially. It's also a great spot to find rain gear to get you through our rainy months. 

3964 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland
Online: blackwagon.com

11. The Yo! Store

Wait! Is this store supposed to be for kids or for the people that mother them? Visiting the Yo! Store in northwest Portland, parents will find stuffed animals and aesthetically inclined children's books next to a garment rack of cool jean jackets or ceramic plant pots. It seems like this store really gets it, making the child shopping experience pleasurable for any parent. You'll be outfitted with the hippest bibs and bonnets, stylish nursery lights, sleek earrings, and toys from the brand Kid O.

935 N.W. 19th Ave.
Portland
Online: yoportland.com

Bonus: Finnegan's Toys & Gifts

A staple of a native Portlanders childhood, Finnegan's Toys & Gifts has kept families happily entertained with their wide array of toys since 1977. Although the local shop has given up its iconic corner location, families can still order exciting toys, puzzles, and more from their online store. Think of it like a local Amazon for all things childhood excitement. They offer shipping or pick-up for receiving your purchases. Pick-ups happen at "UnderU4men" during their business hours in downtown Portland.

Online: finneganstoys.com

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


There’s so much about wooden toys that we love: they blend in with grown-up décor so easily and literally last forever (hello, resale value!). Etsy has all of our top picks for wooden toys like the versatile Pikler triangle, too-cute play kitchens, Montessori toys, personalized gifts and more. Consider this your wooden toy shopping list.


Pikler Triangle

$220 BUY NOW

If you don't have a Pikler triangle in your home, you need to get on it. Not only are these all the rage for indoor climbing for little ones, but they have a high resale value when you are ready to pass them on. 


Inclusive Wooden Peg Dolls

$67 BUY NOW

We love this option for your Montessori-inspire playroom. These wooden peg dolls are hand-painted in rainbow colors with different skin tones, encouraging open-ended play.


Fairy Tree House

$107 BUY NOW

We love all the details on this wooden fairy treehouse that will soon be the most-play-with item in your playroom.


Large Waldorf Natural Rocker

$199 BUY NOW

You'll love this multi-use piece for your home as it is functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Kids can rock on one side and then flip it over for a climber/tunnel. 


Wooden Grasshopper Puzzle

$45 BUY NOW

This little guy will look so adorable on your bookshelf and the kids will love putting it together again and again. 


Wooden Play Gym

$22 BUY NOW

Keep your baby busy with this fun play gym that has five hanging toys just within reach. 


Personalized Grimm's Rainbow Stacker

$55 BUY NOW

This Maple, Cherry and Walnut nesting arch set is fun and engaging for caregivers and their young children. You can even have it personalized!


Dusty Green Play Kitchen with Oven

$433 BUY NOW

We are totally enamored by this handcrafted play kitchen with oven, cupboard, cooktop, sink, water tap and drawer. Your little one will want to bake a cake in thanks for this gift and you'll love that the dusty green color blends in with your aesthetic. The seller can also customize a kitchen to your specifications and offers other colors like dusty pink and natural wood. 

Find all our favorite play kitchens here.


Wobble Board

$62 BUY NOW

You'll love all the ways the kids will play with this balance board and climber. It comes in a natural wood finish or rainbow! 


Mandala Loose Parts Kit

$43 BUY NOW

Kids can learn shapes, colors, counting, sequencing and more with this colorful kit. 


Wooden Toy Camera

$15 BUY NOW

Get your little one's name carved into their very own wooden camera. What photos will they want to take? 


Name Train

$50 BUY NOW

Isn't this just the perfect holiday gift? Get your child's name in this personalized train that includes a steam engine, caboose and personalized name letter cars. 


Wooden Heart Stacker

$44 BUY NOW

This Montessori toy will be one that the kids will use over and over. And how cute will it be on your bookshelf?


Personalized Toy Truck

$21 BUY NOW

This little wooden truck is great for toddler birthday gifts as it's the perfect keepsake. 


Very Hungry Caterpillar Lacing Toy

$30 BUY NOW

Lacing toys are great for working on fine motor skills and sequencing. You'll especially love this one that is everyone's favorite Very Hungry Caterpillar-themed! 


Grasshopper Pull Toy

$35 BUY NOW

Your tiny person will love pulling this grasshopper around your house and seeing how the legs move up and down as they go!

—Kate Loweth

RELATED STORIES

Get Your Little Chefs Cooking in These 15 Adorable Play Kitchens

12 Most Popular Playhouses Parents Are Buying Right Now

The Smart Moms’ Guide to Montessori Toys for Babies & Toddlers

Back to Basics: The 10 Best Non-Electronic Toys for Babies & Toddlers

Even if you’re not one of those people that allow Christmas to start the day after Halloween, you might have to admit that this year it’s been creeping in– with recommendations to shop early, you might be compiling a list already! If your holiday gift list is looking slim so far, we’ve rounded up the best recommendations from local Portland stores for the whole family– Dad, Mom, Big Kid, and Baby. Read on for some great ideas from great local places to check out!

Dads:

 

Staghorn Fern from Pistils Nursery

Courtesy of Pistils Nursery

Get your plant dad a stunning Staghorn Fern Plaque to grace his wall-- these large antler-like fronds are like a piece of living taxidermy: a dramatic statement for any man cave or living room! Local plant gurus Pistils Nursery have been in business for 20 years, sharing the gift of green and gently encouraging those with blacker thumbs. Their flagship store on Mississippi, along with a new location in Slabtown showcase everything from rare and unusual plants to the coveted swiss cheese monsteras, along with chic planters, pots, and accessories. If Dad is still growing his plant passion, try a ZZ Plant (otherwise known as Zamioculcas amiifolia). One of the most low maintenance houseplants around, this is a great "set it and forget it" plant -- at least for a few weeks at a time.

Pistils Nursery
3811 N Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR
2139 NW Raleigh St.
Portland, OR

 

Vintage Trail Blazers Jersey from Laundry

Erika M via Yelp

Tucked into Old Town/Chinatown, Laundry is like a candy store for the sports-loving Dad in your life. Full of thoughtfully curated vintage merch (like jerseys, caps and tees) from a wide variety of sports and sports brand, you can cross a few things off your list here in no time. For the Blazers fan, find Damian Lillard and Andre Miller jerseys, or go further afield with a bright orange Netherlands soccer jersey, among hundreds of others. And they have kids sizes, too!

Laundry
140 NW 4th Ave
Portland, OR
Online: laundrypdx.com

Scientific Heroes Glassware from Boys Fort

Chee K via Yelp

Maybe you have absolutely zero idea what Dad wants-- that's totally normal. Hop over to Boys Fort, where you'll find dozens of options for the Dad who has everything. Formerly downtown, they've moved their store into Urbanite on SE Grand Ave but kept it packed full of goodies, like leather wallets, unique decor, stylish Portland maps, books, hot sauce, and even an Albert Einstein pint glass, all geared toward the modern Dad. If you're still at a loss, ask them to help-- you'll walk away with an expertly curated set of gifts in no time.

Inside Urbanite
1005 SE Grand Ave
Portland, OR
Online: boysfort.com

Gifts for Moms

New Planner from Little Otsu

Courtesy of Little Otsu

For the Mom brimming with ideas, plans, schedules, or creative brainstorming, head to Little Otsu to get her all decked out. You'll find beautiful paper goods and from all over the world that will make her home office pop and inspire! Get her set for 2022 with this vibrant planner from England, or brighten up her desk with a colorful Italian stapler.

Mom can jot down all her ideas in a myriad of journals, with fountain pens, colored pencils, highlighters, and more. Don't miss the sweet collection of books and zines, including great options for kids.
 
 
Little Otsu
3225 SE Division St.
Portland, OR
 

The Hottest Fashions from The Yo! Store

The Yo! Store via Yelp

A vibrant store melding color, vintage, adults, kids, European style and American fun into one warm experience, the Yo! Store is ready to knock a few things off your list. Founded in 2016, they've been sourcing quality goods from small independent makers worldwide for years, culminating in a store that's like having your best friend say "here, try this."

You'll find clothes (quilted jackets! stylish sweatpants! polka dot sweaters!), jewelry, bags, and colorful socks for mom, but don't stop there. Stuff her stocking with nail polish and candles before moving on to the kids sections, where adorable clothes, books, and toys await. 

The Yo! Store
935 NW 19TH Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: yoportland.com/

Doug Fir Chai from Roots and Crowns Apothecary

Roots and Crowns via Yelp

Get mom a warming blend of tea with chai spices, complete with foraged Doug fir tips at this home brewed apothecary. You'll also find hand crafted brooms, candles, artwork, and journals alongside the house line, full of rose-scented face serums, mineral makeup, herbal tinctures, and bitters.

Roots and Crowns Apothecary
1812 NW 24th Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: rootsandcrowns.com

Gifts for Kids

Cheeseburger Pillow from Black Wagon

Courtesy of Black Wagon

This Mississippi Street store is chock full of fun, for kids ages 0-14 (and up)! Even the most teen of pre-teens won't be able to resist this soft cheeseburger floor pillow-- they're designed for all ages, tough enough for interactive play yet cozy enough for catching up on their favorite shows, games, and creative activities.

Or test their skills on Christmas Day with a wooden pinball set, along with a huge variety of puzzles, games, and musical instruments next to a whole wall of adorable clothes.

Black Wagon Kids
3964 N Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: blackwagon.com

Anything from Hello! Good Morning!

Hello! Good Morning! via Yelp

This adorable store has found a new home inside Cargo, an import shop that's been in business for over 20 years (and is worth checking out in it's own right!). With a background in animation, owner Amy has expertly curated the small space so that everywhere you look there's something bright, colorful, amusing, and whimsical. Bright journals, kids books, vintage toys, ceramics, and even those rubber finger monsters mingle together in a fun and inspiring space. Your only problem will be which things to bring home with you, and which leaves to come back for later! 

Hello! Good Morning!

Inside Cargo

81 SE Yamhill
Inside CARGO
Portland, OR

Online: hellogoodmorningkids.com

Wooden Gnome Home from Spielwerk Toys

Danna F via yelp

Being a kid is hard work sometimes, and Spielwerk gets that. That's why they stock their store with all the best tools of childhood: toys, games, puzzles, and more that helps kids think creatively, solve problems, and goof around. Find your child's new favorite friend here with a wooden gnome home, or a whimsical fairy doll. And stay tuned-- they're working on launching their own line here in Portland!

Spielwerk Toys

3808 N Williams Ave Ste 121

Portland, OR

Online: spielwerktoys.com

Gifts for Babies

Board Books from Green Bean Books

Courtesy of Green Bean Books

The folks at Green Bean Books are the best kind, ready to offer you their favorite new book along with a secret smile. Full of kids books of all kinds, head here to start Baby off right with a set of adorable board books.
 
Their top picks this year are:
What's in the Box? written by Isabel Otter illustrated by Joaquin Camp. An interactive lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel book with a plethora of boxes to open with silly things inside. Perfect for baby's gift opening practice during the holidays.
Dog's First Baby by Natalie Nelson. A new baby's impact from a dog's perspective: very sweet and charming. Don't worry, a cat one is scheduled to be released in March too!
Where Is Everyone? by Tom Schamp. An interactive lift-the-flap with goofy animal characters doing ridiculous things to discover.
 
Green Bean Books
1600 NE Alberta Street
Portland, Oregon
 

Woodland Activity Blanket from Grasshopper

Courtesy of Grasshopper

The newest people in the world deserve the best things-- get the baby in your life this adorable Woodland Activity Blanket from Grasshopper, full of sensory bumps and crackling paper. Located on Alberta St, this store serves up a wide range of goodies for the little ones in your life, from babies and up! Useful items along with thoughtful design combine to offer goods that even adults will want to play with, like these sweet Babyoshka nesting dolls. You'll also find books, clothes, art, puzzles, games, baby essentials, and so much more!
 
 
Grasshopper Boutique
1816 NE Alberta
Portland, OR

—Katrina Emery

RELATED STORIES

Family-Friendly Christmas Day Activities in Portland

Family-Friendly Holiday Stage Shows in Portland

Christmas Tree Lightings in Portland OR

Since the Easter Bunny is magic, he can still hop from house to house this year, even in the pandemic. But since parents are merely human, and local stores really need your patronage, we’ve put together this shopping list to help you fill your kids’ baskets with fun, local gifts. Order online or by phone, and get your goodies shipped, delivered, or ready for curbside pickup. Read on to get your bunny game on.

Photo courtesy of Hammer and Jacks

Bright Shimmer Do-a-Dot Markers and Rainbow Activity Book

Get a fresh start to spring with a fresh set of classic do-a-dot markers. This set includes 5 shimmery colors for little artists to explore. Choose from a range of activity books to go along with it. Our favorite is the rainbow theme, or check out dinosaurs, monster trucks, and mermaids.

Markers, $17: hammerandjacks.com
Activity Book, $6 : hammerandjacks.com

Delivery notes: Delivery within Portland

Photo courtesy of Grasshopper

Blossom Bunny

For a timeless Easter surprise, tuck this ultra-soft plush bunny into your little one’s basket. Jellycat stuffies are known for their softness, and this sweet bunny’s floral-patterned fabric ears and feet are perfect for spring. Choose from pink, blue, or white.

Bunny, $22: grasshopperstore.com

Delivery notes: Curb pickup or free delivery

Photo courtesy of Finnegan’s Toys

Speckled Brown Baby Chick

Looking ready to roost in a backyard Portland coop, this stuffed plush chick is a refreshing departure from the usual sunny yellow fluff ball. Soft and cuddly, this is an affordable local choice to brighten up Easter morning.

Stuffed chick, $8: finneganstoys.com

Delivery notes: Shipping; limited delivery within Portland

Photo courtesy of Black Wagon Toys

Mindo Zen Brain Teaser Game

For older kids, this compact puzzle offers hours of learning-based play. Challenge them to recreate the pattern on one of 60 challenge cards, using double-sided tiles and a 4×4 grid. A great game to play alone or together.

Game, $15: blackwagon.com

Delivery notes: Free shipping

Photo courtesy of The Yo! Store

Unicorn Glitter Barrettes

Even though family brunch or a church service might be out of the question this year, you can still dress up! Give your glitter queen something to smile about with these lighthearted hairclips.

Barrettes, $9: yoportland.com

Delivery notes: Free shipping or local delivery

Photo courtesy of Grasshopper

Bunny Romper

Got a baby bunny in your house? Slip them into this sweet black and white romper for Easter breakfast and lounging around the house. Made of organic cotton, this playsuit is gentle on sensitive skin and the planet. Sizes 0-12 months.

Pajamas, $32: grasshopperstore.com

Delivery notes: Curb pickup or free delivery

Photo courtesy of Grasshopper

Carrot Rocket Puzzle

Active toddlers will love to stack and sort the magnetic wooden pieces to get the bunny in his carrot-shaped rocket. Then it’s 3, 2, 1 blastoff! Inspire imaginative play while building motor skills.

Puzzle, $30: grasshopperstore.com

Delivery notes: Curb pickup or free delivery

Photo courtesy of Hammer + Jacks

Bird Whistle

What better way to celebrate spring than with birdsong? This sweet-tuned little whistle is loud enough let your kids make some noise (maybe at 7:00 p.m. during Wheeler’s nightly cheer for first responders), but small enough to tuck in a drawer when it’s time for birds to rest.

Whistle, $4: hammerandjacks.com

Delivery notes: Delivery within Portland

Custom Easter Baskets

Support your local toy store and let the experts put a fun basket together for you! These stores offer custom Easter baskets.

Call or email Finnegans’ toys and describe your little ones’ age and interests, and they’ll put together a kit that includes one plush bunny plus a variety of other gifts, tailored to your kiddo. All you need is a basket and you’re set!

Online: finneganstoys.com

$50

Made You Look can work with your budget to assemble a customized Easter basket. Fill out the online order form and specify your child’s age, favorites, and dietary restrictions for candy. You can order just the fillings, or request a handwoven baskets from a local studio for $32.

Online: madeyoulookpdx.com

$40

—Melissa Poulin

Featured image: Ashley Edwards via Unsplash 

RELATED STORIES

Buy Local: Curbside Pick-Up & Delivery from These PDX Spots


10 Facebook Groups Keeping Portland Parents Connected

In the face of Covid-19 and unprecedented school closures around the nation, many parents are feeling overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility of their child’s educational welfare on top of everything else they need to accomplish in the day.

Don’t panic. Working with your children at home can be easier and more enjoyable than you think, and it starts with creating an inspiring educational space at home.

Here are my top tips from a decade of working in-home with families and in the classroom as a Montessori teacher:

1. Don’t do everything yourself. Get the kids involved. Have your children set up a designated work area. Allow them to design the space so that it is conducive to a child’s interests.  Think: You might move chairs and tables.  Child might move cushions and stuffies or make a fort for reading.  If your child likes to draw, encourage them to design the space on paper before moving furniture. Drawing, planning, designing…can anyone say art and math skills?

2. Co-Create a Lesson Plan: Allow your children to create their own lesson plan for each day. Young children can draw pictures of what they want to do and older ones can write it out or even create a unique “map” to learning. Printing, spelling, logical thinking skills!  Give your child artistic freedom here.  You can provide guidelines for these plans such as: they must contain 1 math activity, 1 science, 20 minutes of reading etc. so you know they are covering all the basis.

3. Less is more. You don’t have to go out and buy an excess of supplies for this to be a successful opportunity. Many of you have everything you need already at home or materials to get creative and make supplies. Paper, cardstock, Amazon boxes are easily repurposed into writing pads, files or folders to keep their “home” work orderly.

4. Keep it Clean. Assign kids daily chores that help keep your space clean, inspiring and limit distractions.

5. Not enough space? Designate an area on the floor with a blanket and call it the “work zone”.  Outline a square on your dinner table with washi tape and call it “Johnny’s workspace.” Finally declutter that shelf or drawer you’ve been meaning to get to and utilize it for your new home school space.

6. Create mini stations that allow your kids to move around the house. In addition to a designated workspace at the table and a reading fort with a small selection of books rotated daily, consider a “cooking or science lab” in the kitchen, “tech lab” for screen or audio time that gives you a break, a “meditation or yoga corner,” a “dance or music zone” and an “art studio,” etc.   

7. Got pets? Move their beds into your new school area so they can be a part of the action.

8. Include snack or lunch as part of the routine and put the kids in charge of making their own. You can set up a sandwich station with all the fixins laid out so that the kids have easy access to assemble their own meals. Prep a trail mix bar by putting out bowls of different foods such as almonds, coconut, raisins, granola, chocolate chips etc. Let the kids scoop their favorites into a baggie and mix it all up for some yummy goodness.

9. Screen time. If there ever was a day to feel guiltless about allowing your kids to watch a show or use that tablet, now is the time! Schedule daily screen time into your routine. This way the kids won’t have to ask for it and you get a reliable bit of downtime.

10. Finally do the thing. You know that chapter book you’ve always wanted to read to the kids? Or the game night that you’ve been meaning to start? Or that knitting you’ve wanted to teach the children? Now is the time to get to those things you’ve had in the back of your mind for months. Think of all those things you’ve wanted to get to but couldn’t because there just wasn’t enough time. Write ‘em down and make a plan to get started. Put out a special basket for just those items so they are readily available when the time is right!

Once your space is set up for success, 1-2 hours of focused educational time goes a long way. Aim for 4-5 days per week.

For additional academic resources and support, join the @grasshopperacademics on Instagram to ask me your questions and follow along as I share lesson plan ideas, educational games, and other tips and tricks in the coming weeks.   

To find out more, check out Grasshopper MontessoriGrasshopper Academics and Listen to my Poppin’ Podcast here!

 

 

Single parent-turned-nanny-turned-preschool owner-turned-curriculum writer, Natalie has worked with toddlers and preschoolers in a variety of settings for 13 years.  Her passion is bringing out each child's utmost potential and encouraging their natural joy of learning.

Leap years only come around a few times a decade. Leap Day is not widely celebrated unless your birthday happens to fall on it. UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania celebrated the arrival of Leap Day, when it dressed up all its newborns in tiny, crocheted grasshopper hats to get them ready to leap right into March. 

Leap Day Baby

To commemorate the special day, Alec Traub and Anne Sutton, wife of the late Scott Sutton, co-author of I Love You Like, are donating copies of the book to Magee families on the Mother-Baby unit and in NICU through Leap Day this year.

Leap Day Baby

According to UPMCs Instagram page, “Before Scott passed, he wrote this book with Alec (his best friend) and dedicated it to his young son. The book follows the story of a young grasshopper who repeatedly interrupts his work-bound dad with the important question, “How much do you love me?”

Leap Day Baby

 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Photos: UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital via Instagram

RELATED STORIES

Best Baby Gear for Small Spaces

Your Cheat Sheet for Saving Big On Secondhand Baby Gear

Gear You Don’t Need: 10 Items to Leave Off Your Baby Registry

When Scott Sutton was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, he knew that he needed to use the small amount of time he had left to create a lasting memory for his eight-month-old son––so he wrote him his own children’s book.

Sutton met up with an old friend, Alec Traub, who reminded him of a long-running joke the two had shared. The friends try to outdo each other with silly hyperboles like, “I miss you like the woodpecker misses wood and pecking,” and “I miss you like the grasshopper misses grass and hopping.”

Sutton realized he could use this special memory for his son, also named Alec. “We came up with the idea of doing a book and thought the texts could turn from ‘miss’ to ‘love,’” Traub told TODAY Parents.

The book, I Love You Like... was published in Sep. 2018, just three months before Sutton passed away at age 39. His son Alec was just three years old, but he still remembers his dad and asks to read his book often.

photo: Amazon

“The book encompasses everything that made me fall in love with Scott. He was intentional with everything he did. He was thoughtful. He had an unmatched wit,” Anne said. “That (book) was Scott, wanting to do something thoughtful for his son to show him how much he loved him.”

Proceeds from the book, which can be purchased on Amazon, go to Alec’s college fund.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

RELATED STORIES

The Best Books of 2019 (So Far)

Picture Books That Encourage Self-Acceptance

71 Award-Winning Books Every Kid Should Read

Kara Larson’s Grasshopper boutique on Alberta street in Portland is a veritable one-stop shopping wonderland of toys, books, games, art supplies, decor, clothing and shoes for savvy kids. And for moms looking for a treat for themselves, Kara also owns Tumbleweed Boutique, right next door to Grasshopper.Larson recently sat down with Red Tricycle to discuss which toys will engage and delight children with all different types of personalities. Additionally, as the creator of Wild Carrots, a line of childrens’ clothing locally handmade from limited-edition fabrics and designs, Kara shares her expert opinions on wardrobe essentials and what to keep in mind when shopping for children’s clothes.

Red Tricycle: As the designer of Wild Carrots clothing, we’d love to get your expert advice on what to look for when buying clothing for kids.

Kara Larson: Comfort would top that list… if it’s not comfy, a child won’t want to wear it. Practical, functional, long lasting… Wild Carrots fits generously, so it grows with the child, and of course, cute is always a must. I love cozy tees for layering in the seasons. It’s a good way to make clothes last longer. The summer dress can now be worn in the winter with a layer.  I also love lots of patterns… and stripes, of course.

RT: Where shouldn’t we scrimp in our children’s wardrobes?

KL: Good-fitting shoes are really important. A child’s shoe size generally grows about one size from 9 months to a year. It’s worth the investment when you think about all of the things our feet do for us.

RT: Tell us what you think are the best toys and must-haves for kids.

KL: For a curious, teething infant: The Dano teether, made in the USA, has 3 rings for texture and dexterity and can be chilled. For a girly-girl toddler: Girls love play kitchens & play food… and for some reason they all love the broom and mops. Or the sweet little Blabla dolls. For tomboy girl toddlers I love the Bilibo from Kid O, it’s an open- ended toy with endless possibilities. It can be a helmet, a spinner, a scoop, a cradle- a sled…For rough and tumble toddler boys, it’s got to be the Stomp Rockets. For toddler boys with a gentle approach to playing, I am loving the new puzzles from Crocodile Creek, I also love the Plan Toys treehouse or farm. Bookworms:  We have so many great books right now. At the top of my list: FlotsomSpot It, The Secret Lives of Princesses, Kitten for a Day, Curious Garden and Shadow Shadow. For kids who love to build: Swiss-made magnetic building panels and race car sets from Geomag. I also love the creativity of building train tracks. Plan Toys has one that combines a road system that is pretty fun. Kids who love nature like the solar print kits, garden tools, mini microscope, great outdoor adventure books, (Down, Down, Down….)

RT: What are some good picks to keep kids happy indoors on rainy days?

KL: My favorite new toy is the Spooner. It’s fun for balance and coordination, for the active kid. But I am also loving the Habitadule. They are super cool colorful cardboard pieces that you can make forts with. For aspiring artists, I love watercolor crayons. They are fun and they make great gifts.  I am obsessed with the paper cutting collages, beautiful papers from France that you cut and put into the pictures to create works of art. Also, any Taro Gomi coloring book. My son has one and it’s a great thing to take traveling or to a restaurant. I have my own too, it keeps me young.

Grasshopper is located at 1816 NE Alberta Street, Portland. 503-335-3131.

—Beth Shea